2nd Remarkable Emirati Women Summit Highlights UAE Women’s Key Sector Advancements

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Under the distinguished patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU) and the Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood (SCMC), more than 500 influential women leaders gathered for the second edition of the Remarkable Emirati Women Summit. Hosted by PureHealth and the General Women's Union, this landmark event celebrated the strides made by Emirati women across diverse sectors and highlighted the vast untapped potential of the UAE’s female workforce. It also fostered thought-provoking discussions centered on the theme “Unlock Your Ambitions,” aiming to empower women and provide a platform for transforming aspirations into actionable leadership.

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Held at the luxurious St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, the summit focused on converting passion into purposeful leadership while inspiring women to reach their full potential. Building on the success of last year’s summit, the event underscored the importance of community support in empowering Emirati women to take leadership roles across various sectors. This is in alignment with PureHealth’s unwavering commitment to driving the UAE's Emiratisation agenda and promoting gender equality, both of which are central to the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

The summit officially commenced with an inspiring address on behalf of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, delivered by Her Excellency Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. In her speech, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima emphasized the pivotal role of Emirati women in shaping the future of the UAE. She stated that the summit serves as a vital platform to equip Emirati women with the necessary knowledge and tools to contribute to the nation's growth and development. She highlighted the historical significance of women in the UAE, acknowledging their contributions across various fields, from education and medicine to engineering, defense, diplomacy, and politics.

Her Highness expressed deep gratitude for the efforts of the General Women's Union and PureHealth in creating the Emirati Women Chapter, a program designed to invest in the potential of creative Emirati women and cultivate future leaders who will inspire generations to come. She emphasized that, thanks to the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emirati woman has always been an active partner in the nation's development story.

Her Excellency Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GWU, also expressed pride in the continued success of the summit, which has grown into an essential forum for fostering dialogue, inspiration, and leadership among Emirati women. She commended PureHealth for its commitment to supporting Emirati women, particularly in the healthcare sector, and praised the partnership between the two organizations for creating an environment where women can thrive, reach their highest potential, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.

Shaista Asif, Group CEO at PureHealth, spoke passionately about the summit’s significance, highlighting it as a testament to the aspirations of over 500 women leaders. She noted that this year’s summit marked a transformative milestone for Emirati women, especially with the graduation of the first cohort of the Emirati Women Chapter, alongside the launch of its second cohort. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in nurturing the next generation of female leaders, empowering them to drive innovation, shape the future, and become global role models for women’s empowerment.

The summit provided a dynamic platform for growth and learning, with engaging panel discussions and talks that explored critical issues such as entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal well-being. Speakers shared personal success stories and discussed the importance of balancing ambition with life commitments. Several sessions emphasized the value of mentorship and perseverance in unlocking one’s true potential. Practical advice was provided on how women can achieve both personal and professional growth, while focusing on holistic well-being.

In addition to these enlightening discussions, the summit featured interactive activities, including mindfulness exercises, allowing attendees to reflect on their goals and aspirations with clarity. Fireside chats offered a broader perspective on the societal impacts of empowering women, discussing how gender inclusivity drives progress and benefits all sectors of society. These sessions were designed to equip participants with the tools and mindset needed to turn their ambitions into meaningful achievements.

A major highlight of the event was the graduation of the first cohort of 28 women from the Emirati Women Chapter, a program launched in March 2024 in collaboration with the GWU. The graduates shared the positive impact the program had on their careers and personal growth, with many showcasing how the mentorship and networking opportunities had helped them develop leadership skills and a deeper understanding of collaboration and innovation in their respective fields.

The summit also marked the official opening of registration for the second cohort of the Emirati Women Chapter. Attendees were given the opportunity to connect with mentors and gain detailed insights into the structure and phases of the program, ensuring that the next group of women leaders is well-prepared to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.

In all, the summit provided an invaluable platform for inspiring, empowering, and connecting the women who are shaping the future of the UAE, reinforcing Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s vision of an inclusive society where women play a pivotal role in driving national progress and prosperity.